The Best Bargains In Coastal Destinations

Oceanfront property anyone can afford.

by Eli Blue Jun 23rd, 2011

Turquoise water, thousands of aquatic species lurking about, and pure white sand beaches are not synonymous with $150 a night hotel rooms and $7 tequila shots. Nowadays, you can secure bargains at some of the world’s most picturesque hotel resorts with steals on hotel and cost of living accommodations. Here are 4 top picks for best bargain beaches.

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica -This slowly rising international destination is a hit with surfers frolicking to catch the highly regarded surf culture and appreciate diverse topography with jungle trails, calm beaches, and international cuisine. Catch three-star cottages and bungalows for as little as $75 a night.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – $96 a night can grab a decked out, wooden panel, marble bathroom, 4-star room in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s flagship resort spot with sandy white beaches, Bahamas Exuma Islands-like water clarity (lost wedding rings could be found on the sea bed), and scenic resorts where it is not a surprise to see a stray parrot out and about). Try to catch the off-peak season (May to November) to secure the best flight & hotel deals.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua – Nicaragua is as much coastline as it is a wildlife refuge. Its prime piece of San Juan del Sur, a haven for $13 restaurant three course meals, a lunch for $3, and .50 cent beers. Its lodging scene is also affordable offering basic beds from 415 (think 80 square foot bungalows) and two story villas like the Bahia del Sol for $200 a night in the low season.

Ko Lanta, Thailand – Ko Lanta is Southeast Asia's best kept secret, a smaller island quickly gaining traction after the success of nearby queen Ko Phi Phi (of the movie "The Beach" fame) with 9 white sand beaches and limestone cliffs soaring above stellar waters. Ko Lanta's main city, Saladan, is a colorful town with millions of dive shops and small bungalow style hotels for as little as $6 a night. Higher end 4 star resorts like the isolated Crown Lanta going for no more than $100 in the low season. Meals are also absurdly low, with 50 to 100 baht ($1 to $3 dollars) for a steaming bowl of shrimp spicy prawns and yellow price and 30 baht for a yellow or green curry sure to make your eyes water.